Student dies after falling from balcony at Franklin High School in Highland Park, witnesses say

HIGHLAND PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A student died Wednesday at Benjamin Franklin High School in Highland Park, prompting a lockdown that lasted nearly three hours as police began an investigation.

The incident was reported shortly after 1 p.m. after witnesses said a student fell to his death and landed in the high school quad. A white tent was set up on the school’s campus, located in the 800 block of North Avenue 54.

Student Welly Eng said the student fell from the fourth floor of the school building. Another student, Andrew Rivera, described hearing a “big thud” and later learned the school had been closed.

The Los Angeles School Police Department called the situation a “medical emergency” and students remained on lockdown for nearly three hours while the investigation continued.

Jessica Gomez, a mother, said she was shaken after learning what happened.

“I heard that a child fell from the fourth floor. My heart was racing. I had to call my children to see if they were okay, because no parent wants to get that phone call saying your son or daughter has unfortunately passed away,” Gomez said.

Students interviewed by Eyewitness News said the teen fell from a balcony after an argument with another student.

“The altercation occurred between the student and another student, after which the student ran, of course, and then fell,” Eng said.

Gomez urged parents to combat bullying behavior.

“If you know your child is bullying someone, even if it’s joking, stop them before the situation gets worse,” she said.

By Wednesday evening, a growing memorial had formed outside the gates of Benjamin Franklin High School as students remembered their classmate.

The school will remain open on Thursday. Grief counselors will be available.

Police have not released the name of the deceased student or further details about the incident.